Blood donor shows everlasting kindness over 8 decades
After donating blood and platelets and volunteering for decades, 88-year-old Michael Kimelleman believes the greatest gift anyone can give is their time.
For Michael Kimelleman, life has always been about stepping up when possible and truly dedicating time and energy for the benefit of others.
Now 88 years old, the life he has lived, and continues to live, is a reflection of the power of ubuntu. He started with blood and platelets donations, moved to volunteering for community organisations, and, at some point, advocated for equal benefits for workers while working in the printing industry.
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His blood donating journey started in 1965, after getting married. He frequently donated blood, and when platelet donations gained traction back then, he started donating those too. His donation journey ended in 2015 when his veins could no longer support the process.
“At that time, I’d given 320 donations.” He said he became the first person in South Africa to give 250 donations, which led to him participating in a Chinese documentary about donations.
Following his divorce in 1979, he joined a single parent support group, where, because of his hard work, he quickly became part of the committee. He did this until 1996, welcoming and supporting new members.
Being retrenched at 63 years old meant more time to spend volunteering. He dedicated 16 years of his life packing and delivering meals for Yad Aharon and 24 years more years with the Union of Jewish Women, helping provide kosher Meals on Wheels.
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Kimelleman was also an activist back in his days. He and other individuals saw a gap in the workplace and decided to make a difference. While working in the printing industry, Kimelleman and his colleagues spent four years campaigning for equal work benefits.
“It took four years, and the printing industry was open to all, blacks, whites, coloureds, and everybody got pensions.”
He urged young people to step away from their phones for a while and embrace what the world had to offer. “If you come across people who need help, be there to help others. Don’t be just for yourself.”
For Kimelleman, to give is way better than to receive.
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